Foundation Year Programme

Overview

The Royal Academy of Music Foundation Year is a fully funded one year programme supporting state educated musicians aged 18–20 who’ve experienced financial or other barriers to opportunity. It is designed to support talented students who demonstrate the potential to succeed at undergraduate conservatoire level but would benefit from an additional year of intensive musical and academic preparation before auditioning.

From July 2026, up to five students each year will receive one-to-one tuition, ensemble training, mentoring, academic study and structured guidance for undergraduate applications and auditions.

The programme aims to widen access to advanced music study by supporting musicians who may not yet have had access to specialist training or preparation for conservatoire auditions.

The programme is generously supported by the Clore Duffield Foundation, enabling it to be fee-free and to provide substantial financial support to participating students.

Please read below for information on eligibility, entry requirements, and how to apply.

Introduction to the Foundation Year Programme

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Course Outline

The Foundation Year runs from July to May and combines online preparation with in-person study in London.

Throughout the year students receive:

  • One-to-one principal study tuition
  • Small-group classes in musicianship and academic studies
  • Ensemble coaching
  • Application and audition guidance
  • Pastoral and mentoring support
  • Opportunities to engage with Academy rehearsals, masterclasses and performances

Eligibility

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria.

You must:

  • Be aged 18-20 at the start of the programme
  • Be UK-domiciled, meaning you have the right to live and study in the UK
  • Have attended a non-selective UK state school* for at least 5 years
  • Evidence financial challenge through means-tested assessment
  • Be able to commit to the full programme
  • Be able to relocate to London from September

*a non-selective UK state school means a school or college that is funded by the government and does not charge fees or have entrance exams.

If you are care experienced, please get in touch and we can advise you on what information is needed.

If you are unsure whether you are eligible, please contact us before applying at foundationyear@ram.ac.uk

Entry Requirements

Musical Requirements

The Foundation Year is intended for musicians who demonstrate the potential to reach undergraduate conservatoire standard within one year.

Applicants should demonstrate:

  • Strong general musicianship and aural awareness
  • Clear technical and artistic potential
  • Readiness to undertake intensive musical training

Applications are welcomed across all principal studies taught at undergraduate level at the Royal Academy of Music.

If music is not being studied as an academic subject at A Level (or equivalent), we recommend knowledge of music theory at approximately Grade 6 level (ABRSM or Trinity College London) before starting the course.

For applicants whose principal study is not a keyboard instrument, piano skills at approximately Grade 5 level (or equivalent) are desirable, though not essential.

Academic Requirements

The Foundation Year prepares students for progression to conservatoire or university music study.

Applicants intending to progress to undergraduate study should normally be working towards, or already have achieved, the academic qualifications required for entry to a university or conservatoire.

For entry to the Royal Academy of Music BMus programme, this requires:

  • Two GCE A-levels (A2) certificate examinations, or equivalent

Applicants intending to progress to other universities must ensure they meet the academic entry requirements of those institutions.

Progression

The Foundation Year does not guarantee automatic entry to an undergraduate programme at the Royal Academy of Music.

Students must complete the standard undergraduate application and audition process, and entry remains competitive. The programme is designed to provide the preparation, support and guidance needed to approach these auditions with confidence.

Foundation Year Team

How to Apply

We are now accepting applications for the July 2027–May 2028 Foundation Year.

To apply, please create an account on Acceptd. Once registered, visit the Royal Academy of Music Acceptd page and follow the steps to submit an application for the Foundation Year.

See also: application support

Following a review of applications, shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend a workshop audition at the Royal Academy of Music in April 2027. Confirmed dates and details of the audition format and preparation requirements will be shared with shortlisted candidates. Decisions are expected to be communicated in May 2027. Eligibility checks, including the means-tested financial assessment, will be completed before formal offers are made.

If you are considering the Foundation Year alongside an offer from another institution and have questions about the timetable, please contact foundationyear@ram.ac.uk.

Application deadline: 19 March 2027

Get in touch

If you have any questions about the Foundation Year programme, please contact us at foundationyear@ram.ac.uk

Part of the prestigious University of London federation since 1999, the Academy is one of 17 institutions committed to world-class education and research.